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Recap: Australia v Fiji LIVE | Rugby World Cup
By RugbyPass
Follow all the action from the second match of the 2019 World Cup on the RugbyPass live blog as Fiji take on Australia in Sapporo.
Keep up to date with the latest score, stats and join the conversation from anywhere in the world in our Live Match Centre (click here).
While the Wallabies will head into this fixture as favourites to emerge with victory, Fiji will be just as eagerly be eyeing up a shock win over their Pacific neighbours.
The Flying Fijians haven't tasted success against the Australians since 1954, but the side that head coach John McKee has named suggests that 66-year drought could be in jeopardy if his side can fire on all cylinders under the roof of Sapporo Dome.
French-based wingers Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova headline the strong Fijian starting XV, which will be led by captain and blindside flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu.
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He, alongside fellow loose forwards Peceli Yato and Viliame Mata, have been tasked with the unenviable job of shutting down Australia's fierce-looking back row, which consists of injury returnee David Pocock, the Fijian-born Isi Naisarani and captain Michael Hooper.
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has also reinstated Nic White and Christian Lealiifano as his halves combo, while Fijians Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi will be expected to wreak havoc against their nation of birth.
READ MORE:
* Emotions running high for Samu Kerevi ahead of Fiji clash
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 1:45pm local time.
Australia:
1. Scott Sio, 2. Tolu Latu, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. David Pocock, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Nic White, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Marike Koroibete, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. James O’Connor, 14. Reece Hodge, 15. Kurtley Beale.
Reserves: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. James Slipper, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Adam Coleman, 20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 21. Will Genia, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Dane Haylett-Petty.
Fiji:
1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Tevtia Cavubati, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Peceli Yato, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Semi Radradra, 12. Levani Botia, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15. Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves: 16. Tuvere Vugatoko, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Manasa Saulo, 19. Tevita Ratuva, 20. Mosese Voka, 21. Nikola Matawalu, 22. Alivereti Veitokani, 23. Vereniki Goneva.
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Latest Comments
Let’s be honest. The draw and scheduling in the World Cup was a joke but South Africa found a way after having to go the hard (nearly impossible) way to the Cup Final via France and England. NZ had a hard game against France (lost) and had 5 weeks to prepare for the Quarter, 3 weeks knowing it was Ireland. NZ theerfore had to win one big game against an Irish team who played SA and then Scotland 7 days before. They won and it was de facto a semi final because they were playing a relatively weak Argentina team and it was a walk over. In the final a very rested NZ team was playing a very tired SA team and still lost. They couldn’t score more than 11 points. Put another way SA had to find a way to win while tired and they achieved that. NZ should thank their lucky stars that they fixed the scheduling in 2015 otherwise they would be dealing with a Bok treble.
Go to commentsRubbish article! Abuladze played most of Exeters matches when fit. He got injured against Glasgow a while ago and is out for the rest of the season, thats why he hasnt played for Exeter and Georgia recently. Do some proper research next time!
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